April 18, 2013 - Montana Historical Society

MINUTES
MONTANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
April 18, 2013
9 a.m., MHS Auditorium
Helena, Montana
Montana Historical Society Board of Trustees members present: Steve Lozar, Crystal Wong
Shors, Lee Rostad, Shirley Groff, John Lepley, Jim Murry, Sharon Lincoln, Jim Court, Kent
Kleinkopf, Ed Smith, Bob Brown, B. Leslie Halligan, Janene Caywood and Tom Nygard
President Lozar asked that George Horse Capture’s name be called in roll call. George was a
past member of the Board of Trustees and he recently passed away.
MHS Board of Trustee members excused were: Jim Utterback
Staff present: MHS Director Bruce Whittenberg; MHS Administrative Assistant, Renee Podell;
MHS Development Officer, Susan Near; MHS Public Relations Manager, Tom Cook; MHS
Membership Coordinator Rebecca Baumann; MHS Museum Senior Curator of Collections,
Jennifer Bottomly-O’looney; MHS State Historic Preservation Program Manager, Mark
Baumler; MHS State Archeologist Stan Wilmoth; MHS Assistant Editor, Christy Echerle; MHS
Centralized Services Program Administrator, Denise King; MHS Outreach & Interpretation
Program Specialist, Deb Mitchell; and MHS Photo Archives Manager, Lory Morrow; MHS
Museum Collections Manager, Photo Achivist, Matthew Peek; MHS Collections Manager
Amanda Streeter Trum; MHS Accession Archivist, Rachel Lilly; and MHS Financial Office
Accountant, Jennifer Thompson.
Guest present: Montana History Foundation Executive Director, Amy Sullivan.
CALL TO ORDER
President Steve Lozar called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
REVIEW OF MINUTES
Jim Murry moved approval of the January 24, 2013 meeting minutes. The motion was
seconded by Sharon Lincoln and carried unanimously.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Steve Lozar
President Lozar thanked Bruce Whittenberg and staff for the long hours of service to MHS
during the Legislative session. He noted that there have been some pluses during this Legislative
session and the most notable plus is everyone knows MHS needs a new building. President
Lozar thanked Bruce for his leadership skills and he thanked the staff for their willingness to
pitch in, often times at the last minute. He asked Bruce to give a Legislative report.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT-Bruce Whittenberg
Bruce presented a snapshot of how MHS fared in this Legislative session explaining that the
MHS budget as presented is whole. A full time security guard position was granted, compact
storage in the archives was granted, increasing storage up to 25% in this building, and the money
needed to improve the Old Governor’s Mansion was granted. A 2% vacancy savings across the
board for all state agencies has been implemented. Denise commented that she has requested a
narrative on this impact. Bruce explained that HB 14 (bonding bill) which included the proposed
Montana Heritage Building failed to pass. He discussed options for the MHS building noting that
as of this date it is not included in any legislation. It appears that the Legislators did not want to
see a bonding bill. Bruce noted that the Governor has stated that he would like to see the
building of the Montana Heritage Center go forward.
Bruce stated that the Legislators and their staff work very hard during the session and he
appreciated seeing the process. He encouraged everyone to attend a session during the
Legislature. Bruce noted that at one point, during the Legislature, the comment was made that
MHS was being taken out of HB 14 because it wasn’t an educational institution. Bruce
presented a handout (made a permanent part of the record) which he distributed to the
Legislators giving the MHS mission statement and examples of educational programming by the
MHS.
Bruce continued his update. He highlighted the MHS core values, critical issues, security,
progress on the upcoming Charles Russell book, core of advisors (36 advisory Board members)
and proposed a reception in September to get the new advisory Board members together. Bruce
suggested that the MHS Board of Trustees and staff consider meeting for a retreat on July 17 th
(possibly 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) and a staff/Board picnic that evening. July 18 th would be the
regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting.
Membership – Rebecca Baumann
Rebecca said that new membership is up by 12% and donations that accompany membership
renewals are up by 85%. The new membership total is 2,063.
Marketing and Development – Susan Near
Susan commented she is focusing her efforts on building MHS relationships with supporters. She
wants to acknowledge their importance making them feel more a part of what we do here at the
MHS. Even though there isn’t a formal campaign, donations continue to come in for the
Montana Heritage Center.
Susan reported that the Mulvaney Post Card Collection received over $19,000 from the annual
appeal fundraiser. There are pledges coming in also for this collection. MHS is most grateful
for these donations.
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An example of a Capitol Complex project that Susan is working on is the Woman’s Mural.
Susan announced that the Montana History Foundation and MHS are working together in
collecting donations for this project.
Susan has been working on sponsorships for the Second Saturday events at the MHS and will be
looking for sponsors for the History Conference. She has prepared a promo pack (handouts) for
those traveling around the State. You can stop by her office if you need a packet. Susan also
explained that Kirby Lambert put together a nice power point program which she has copies of
for handouts.
President Lozar commented that Rebecca and Susan are excited about what they do for the MHS
and he encouraged everyone to stop by their office and visit them.
MONTANA HISTORY FOUNDATION REPORT – Amy Sullivan
Amy presented the 2012 annual report from the Foundation (handout made a permanent part of
the record).
PUBLIC RELATIONS – Tom Cook
Tom prepared a media review showing how he is getting the good word and the good work out
about the Society. He commented that the MHS does projects that touch the state. It’s the little
stories that make up the State of Montana. There is a lot of excitement in Eastern Montana that
the history conference will be held there this year. He continues to get the word out in all the
newspapers about what happens here at the MHS.
PROGRAM MANAGERS REPORTS
PUBLICATION PROGRAM – Christy Eckerle
Christy was reporting for Molly Holz. Molly is attending a conference. Christy explained social
media efforts being used at the MHS. She gave a Facebook and a Twitter tutorial.
MUSEUM PROGRAM – Amanda Trum
Amanda presented a preview of items that will be placed in the MHS upcoming exhibit titled
“domestic economy”. She discussed some of the 100 top items in the collection that are being
conserved at this time.
RESEARCH CENTER- Lory Morrow
Molly Kruckenberg is giving a presentation at the State Library and asked Lory Morrow to give
the Research Center report. Lory introduced Matthew Peek. Matthew is working on the Lee
Metcalf collection of photos. Matthew is working on a two year grant which is funded by the
Library and Information Services. Jim Murry commented that he had some photos he would
like to put into the Lee Metcalf collection.
For show and tell Rachel Lilly presented a pocket diary dated 1868, owned by J. Butler, a
confederate soldier that came to Montana in search of his fortune in gold. In the back of the
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diary there is a list of costs for items like shoes, haircut, and beer. Rachel noted anyone could
come to the archives to view this diary.
Lory further reported that the James Bradley Fellowships have been awarded. There were 18
fellowships with three awards being given.
Motion on April, 2013 Deaccession List
Ed Smith moved approval of the April, 2013 Deaccession List. Jim Murry seconded the
motion which carried unanimously.
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE - Mark Baumler
Mark introduced Stan Wilmoth. Stan presented a handout (handout made a permanent part of
the record) titled “What to do when human skeletal remains are found on state or private lands”.
Stan explained that the State Burial Board produced the brochure as a guide for coroners, local
law enforcement and property owners. In 1991, the Legislature passed the law forming a Burial
Preservation Board. Upon discovery of skeletal remains the law requires that secure records
must be collected and contained.
President Lozar noted that the Indian nations are very pleased working with Stan. He brings to
his position a sensitivity that is highly respected.
OUTREACH AND INTERPRETATION – Deb Mitchell
Deb announced that Kirby Lambert was in Texas working on the Charlie Russell book. A
handout (handout made a permanent part of the record) titled “Museums and Schools as Co-
Educators Partnership between the MHS and OPI/IEFA” was distributed to each Board member
by Deb Mitchell. She highlighted the many activities taking place in the Outreach and
Interpretation Program and the many communities benefiting from the partnership of the
MHS/OPI. AASLH has recognized this partnership honoring the MHS with an Award of Merit
in 2012. Deb further explained that the OPI/Indian Education for All is a unique partnership
formed inviting museums to team with their local school districts for a two-fold purpose. This
partnership improves the preservation and interpretation of American Indian artifacts and
explores ways for museums and schools to become co-educators.
2013 HERITAGE KEEPERS AWARD – Motion
Sharon Lincoln discussed the applications received for the Heritage Keepers award. There were
12 applications this year. Shirley Groff explained that Edgar Richardson developed a pioneer
town in Scobey, Montana in 1997. He brought in 35 buildings placing them on 20 acres. He
gives tours of the town anytime someone wants to see the town. He is a community hero. The
committee unanimously chose Edgar Richardson, from Scobey as the outstanding 2013 Heritage
Keeper for the Eastern part of Montana.
Tom Nygard moved to select Edgar Richardson as the 2013 recipient of the MHS Board of
Trustees Heritage Keepers Award for the Eastern portion of the State of Montana. Jack
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Lepley seconded the motion with all members voting in favor except for Janene Caywood.
Janene explained that she is sure Mr. Richardson is worthy of this award for emphasis on
his work in the community. She explained that she has worked for historic preservation
for 30 years and the moving of historic buildings from their original foundations is against
the rules. She stressed the importance of valuing the resources in their original settings.
Bob Brown stated that Chris Fisk, Butte, Montana was chosen for the 2013 MHS Board of
Trustees Heritage Keepers award from the Western portion of the State of Montana. He is a
legend in his own time as a teacher in the State of Montana. He is amazing for the work he does
outside of the classroom as well as the work he does inside the classroom. He was chosen two
years ago as the national history teacher of the year by the Daughters of the Revolution. Mr.
Fisk gives of his own time all summer by giving tours of Butte.
Bob Brown moved to select Chris Fisk as recipient of the 2013 MHS Board of Trustees
Heritage Keeper Award for the Western portion of the State of Montana. Crystal Wong
Shors seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
CENTRAL SERVICES – Motion - Denise King
Denise introduced Jennifer Thompson.
Denise presented the financial schedules for FY 2013 through March 31, 2013 (handout made a
permanent part of the record).
Denise reported that the Attorney General’s Office has asked the Board to make an exception for
request of artwork in the office. She and Amanda Trum met with an AG employee and offered
to place a maquette and some framed photos from the Evelyn Cameron Collection in the office
but the offer was rejected. Amanda discussed the current outgoing loan policy. She outlined the
locations approved for art loans. A handout was distributed (handout made a permanent part of
the record).
Bob Brown asked what exception is being asked for by the Attorney General’s Office. Denise
explained they are asking to view the artwork at the MHS they can make a selection of what they
want to display. Amanda said the recommendation of the Museum Program is that the Board
should deny this request. Under the current policy there are five offices listed which are illegible
to receive artwork and all of these offices have public access. Ed Smith said there is no security
in the Attorney General’s Office. If this request were to be granted it would have to be granted
for every office in the capital complex. Amanda explained that the Museum Program does not
have the staff resources to maintain these kinds of requests.
Jim Murry moved approval of the staff’s recommendation to deny the request of the
Attorney General’s Office for loan of artwork from the MHS collection. Crystal Wong
Shors seconded the motion. Bruce Whittenberg concurred. He stated the MHS simply doesn’t
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have the staff to service that broad of an area and agreed we must stick to the outgoing loan
policy. The motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS – Bruce Whittenberg
Strategic Planning Retreat
Bruce suggested July 17, 2013 for the Board retreat. In order for Bruce to participate with the
team he will contact a facilitator. He suggested starting the retreat at 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
July 18 th would be the regularly scheduled Board of Trustee’s meeting. The Board was in
consensus with this timeline.
President Lozar (term expiring July, 2017) stated he has been reappointed to the Board and he
congratulated Kent Kleinkopf (term expiring July, 2017) and Leslie Halligan (term expiring July,
2017) for being reappointed by the Governor to serve another term on the Board of Trustees.
President Lozar asked the Board members to say good-bye to Lee Rostad. Lee decided at the
end of her term not to ask to be reappointed. The Board presented Lee with a gift and thanked
her for her years of service to the MHS. Bruce asked Lee to attend a staff meeting so the staff
could thank her for the years of service she has given to the MHS.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
NEXT BOARD MEETING – July 18, 2013, 9:00 a.m. - Executive Committee – 8:00 a.m.
Strategic Planning Retreat – July 17, 2013 10:00 a.m. – Boo Auditorium
Employee/Board Picnic, Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds, July 17, 2013, 5:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
2:15 p.m.
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